European Commission Proposes Criminalization of AI-Generated CSA Imagery and Deepfakes
Summary:
The European Commission intends to criminalize AI-generated imagery and deepfakes related to child sexual abuse (CSA). This proposal includes a new criminal offense for live-streaming CSA, an update to laws concerning CSA reporting, and the criminalization of pedophile-themed AI chatbots. These steps aim to curb CSA, improve online safety awareness, streamline crime reporting, and provide financial aid for victims. Member states are urged to improve vigilance, while the EU Parliament and Council will decide on the proposal's final form. The proposal builds upon the 2022 regulation and the growing awareness of deepfake dangers.
In response to the evolving nature of child sexual abuse (CSA), the European Commission has declared its intention to potentially outlaw the use of artificial intelligence-based images, deepfakes, and child abuse-themed AI chatbots. The proposal aims to modify laws, including the establishment of a new criminal offense that involves live-streaming CSA. It further seeks to outlaw the possession and dissemination of guides promoting pedophilia. This initiative is a move to modernize regulations set in 2011, suggesting obligatory reporting of crimes. The broader objective is to curb CSA, improve online safety awareness, facilitate crime reporting, and adopt aids like financial indemnity for victims.
Preceding the proposal, the Commission conducted an impact assessment, pointing out the significance of increased online presence and cutting-edge tech trends as factors fueling CSA. The proposal also urges member states to foster increased vigilance. There is a growing concern over the manipulation of technology for producing CSA material, with fears that such simulated content could hamper the identification of real victims by legal enforcement agencies. Given the rapid proliferation of generative AI, lawmakers see a clear need to revise existing regulations.
However, the final form of the proposed amendments rests in the hands of the co-legislators in the EU Parliament and Council. Upon reaching a consensus on the amendments for the current directive for combating CSA, enforcement would commence 20 days post its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
According to standard legislative protocol, the proposal by the European Commission is subject to approval or amendment by the European Parliament (EP) and the Council of Ministers. If there are disputes, both bodies can suggest amendments, which would be followed by negotiations and a final vote.
In May 2022, the Commission recommended added legislation regarding the duties of digital service providers to utilize automated tech for detection and reporting of CSA and grooming activity. The current proposal is seen as a supplement to the 2022 regulation proposal.
Yet, there is a noticeable increase in the recognition of the potential threats that deepfakes and AI-generated images pose, especially since the proposal was put forth less than two years ago focusing on scanning private messages.
Published At
2/7/2024 11:44:44 AM
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